Another amazing Hockey romance from Jamieson! I adored the characters in this, it was so hard to put down!

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me read Keeping The Score early!
Ford aspires to be the best goal keeper in ice hockey, he's been taking all summer to perfect all the skills.
And lives next door to ford, she has recently became devoiced and is now putting all her energy into growing her new business.
However, ford finds out he's a father to 3 month old Matilda, her mum needs him to look after her whilst she goes away.
I really enjoyed this so much, who doesn't love a single dad, slow burn and friends to lovers tropes

Keeping The Score by Kelly Jamieson is the second book in the New Jersey Storm hockey series. This is the story of Andi and Ford.
 
Andi recently got divorced and she’s trying to get her life back on track and to bring her own business to the next level. I loved how determined and tough Andi is. She lives next to the hockey player Ford, and I loved seeing their friendship.
 
Ford is very much focused on his job as a hockey goalie, and I loved seeing that and I rarely ever get to see a goalie romance. He is very disciplined and needs his routine and keeps far away from any scandals and is such a golden retriever character. He is just very easy going but his life is turned upside down when he becomes a single dad to his baby daughter. And seeing him being a dad was such a treat and he is so sweet.
 
I loved how this story was a friends-to-lovers story and they really liked each other from the start, and they grow together when they become a team to care for his daughter. It was so sweet seeing them together in very mundane scenes. Also, the backstory to his daughter was tragic and bittersweet and that made them even more of a found family. I always love the author’s hockey romances but this one was extra special, and it was an all the feels romance.
 
Keeping The Score is a perfect single parent hockey romance and I wholeheartedly adored Andi and Ford’s story. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

A perfect read for hockey romance lovers!
Add a baby into the mix, and the story gets even more heartwarming—and a little chaotic!
Ford is a hockey star goalie who has been working extremely hard over the summer to improve his game. He’s got his quirks and superstitions and follows a strict routine to stay calm and composed. Growing up, his life was unpredictable due to his parents’ free-spirited lifestyle, which created challenges for him. Now, he thrives on order and structure just to get by.
Andi is divorced and living a happy, independent life with her newly established business. Her ex-husband cheated on her and left her for a friend. She had invested a lot in that relationship, but he still betrayed her. Thankfully, she's now in a good place emotionally and professionally.
Then, one day, Ford is unexpectedly left with baby Matilda. Her mother, Willow, has to leave town to care for her seriously injured parents. Suddenly, this very scheduled man is responsible for a four-month-old baby. Ford knows nothing about babies—and he never wanted one.
Andi, Ford’s neighbour, offers to help. Both are as clueless as can be when it comes to taking care of a baby. They start spending more time together with Matilda—nicknamed Tilly. Tilly brings chaos to Ford’s perfectly structured life and disrupts Andi’s peaceful routine in the best way.
The story revolves around Ford’s passion for hockey, his growing feelings for Andi, and how baby Tilly slowly becomes the heart of it all.
Grab your copy to see how they navigate unexpected parenthood during Ford’s busy hockey season and Andi’s demanding client meetings. Though Andi feels compelled to help Ford—especially since he supported her during her divorce—she can’t ignore the budding connection between them.

Thank you to Kelly Jamieson, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed reading this book. Without giving spoilers away it was a easy weekend read. Characters were awesome showing emotions! The story had me laughing at some points and tearing up at others. It had a lot of spicy scenes to keep it interesting. I always enjoy Kelly's books!

Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson is a steamy and heartfelt sports romance that I really enjoyed. The story follows Ford, a slightly obsessive and schedule-driven professional hockey goalie, and Andi, his next-door neighbor and longtime friend. Their friends-to-lovers dynamic combined with forced proximity created plenty of engaging and emotional moments that kept me invested throughout.

I appreciated how both characters grew and evolved, with Ford balancing his role as a single dad and athlete, while Andi’s warmth and support brought out a softer side of him. The chemistry between them was sizzling and genuine, making their romantic journey feel authentic and satisfying. Jamieson’s writing style is smooth and vivid, capturing the intensity of the hockey world alongside the tenderness of their relationship.

While the plot was somewhat predictable at times, the emotional depth and well-developed characters made up for it. The story’s balance of passion, humor, and heartfelt moments made it a compelling read for me. Overall, I’m giving Keeping the Score four stars. It’s a solid addition to the New Jersey Storm series and a great pick for fans of sports romances with strong characters and steamy romance.

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

DNF at 22%

I am not sure what it was about this title, but I just never felt any connection with the characters and regardless of what happened, I never felt invested or even all that concerned about the events.

I have read and enjoyed other titles by this author, so I am not sure as to the reason it didn't work for me, but I have chosen not to finish this title.

I am unable to recommend this title.

My Initial Thoughts
This is my second book by Kelly and I was looking forward to reading a sports romance for a change. And the blurb with the tropes caught my attention straight away, single dad, friends to lovers. I knew I was going to enjoy this. Not to mention the cover!
Plot
I really enjoyed the plot and the slow burn of the plot really added to the flare of the story. Towards the end I felt myself crying and so emotional over things that was happening. I enjoyed the mental health rep, which I have came to love about Kelly’s writing. I enjoyed how both MCs found a sense of peace with each other, even from the beginning. Watching Ford becoming a dad.. well reading.. it just pulls at all your heart strings. There was moments I was laughing so hard, as well as crying. I really enjoyed every part of the plot.
Characters
I really enjoyed how different Ford was, how everything impacts him and his routine to try keep his own mind at ease. Tilly and Andi at the hockey game melted my heart!
The characters really do develop in such a strong way from start to finish. I really did enjoy seeing the growth of them both. And Willa, that just broke me. Every part.
Recommend
If you are looking for a sports romance and a single dad.. look no further than Ford and Ice Hockey.
Favourite Quote
“Love isn’t all hugs and kisses and puppies and kittens. It’s hard. It’s vulnerable. It’s sacrifice. It’s hurting when someone else hurts. Because of all those things, it take courage to love.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 7, 9, 21,22,25, 30 and 32. So just a few.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect slow burn for falling in love as a parent, friend and playing ice hockey.
Overall Wrap up
I really enjoyed this, and I plan to go back to book 1 so I can read Benny and Mabel’s story as the team is such a big thing throughout the book. I really loved how the struggles of becoming a parent are documented so perfectly. I loved the mental health part of the story and the plot was just perfect.
Stars & Spice – 4 stars and 3 chilli spices.
Book Information – Keeping The Score by Kelly Jamieson.

Genre – Sports romance.

Pages – 320 pages.

Tropes –
Single dad.
Ice hockey.
Forced proximity.
Friends to lovers.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Keeping The Score is available on kindle unlimited as is book 1.

Available Formats – Available on kindle, on audiobook and in paperback and hardcover.

Publishing Information – Published on 3rd June 2025 by Boldwood Books.

Format in Which I Read – I read on my kindle.

Where my copy come From – My copy came from Netgallery.

POVs – Written in dual POV, both Ford and Andi.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Written on a single timeline.

1st or 3rd Person – Written in first person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This ends in a HEA.

Series or Standalone – Part of The New Jersey Storm series. A series of interconnected standalones and this is book two.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

Ahh, Andi and Ford…such a great story! Friends to lovers and single dad tropes…which I don’t usually reach for but after reading Crossing the Line, and loving it, I had to read this one! These tropes work together! I loved Ford’s inner monologue- made me cackle a time or two! And of course adorable little Matilda! Top notch steamy moments (slow burn) and love dual POV in my books! Pick this one up for sure, can’t wait for more!!

I’ve been a fan of Kelly Jamieson’s books for several years and she’s always a one-click author for me. At the beginning of this book I was a little unsure what to think about the two main characters because they just didn’t strike me as potential love interests.

Ford is a different type of MMC with his strict routines and need for order and control. He initially came across being too self-centered on his career and goals to be a decent romantic partner. He was a good neighbor and casual friend to Andi, but I didn’t see much potential.

Then little Matilda/Tilly arrives and Ford’s entire life gets turned inside out. Andi reluctantly helps him and the two of them together are scary yet hilarious as they try to figure out how to take care of a baby. The storyline definitely clicked for me as Andi and Ford fall in love with Tilly. Their physical relationship and caring for Tilly grows a deep emotional connection between them.

The support Ford gets from his teammates is heartwarming and his growth as a friend and teammate is impressive. I loved his scene where he connects with Alfie.

The ending is so much more emotional than I anticipated and yanked on my heartstrings. In the end, I appreciated how much Andi and Ford grew and the development of their relationship.

I received a free ARC from the author, Boldwood Books and NeftGalley; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I ended up finishing the book in just a few sittings and really enjoyed the story and characters.

Ford wants to be the best ice hockey goalie and is on track until he discovers he's a father and has to step up to the challenge. Fatherhood is unexpected and messes with his routines(which are essential for his mental health) and his career, but he refuses to fail, and he does have help in the form of Andi, his neighbour and friend. It's a friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, spicy sports romance that delivers an emotional and passionate romance, where the couple bonds over caring for Ford's young baby daughter. I like the couple and the development of their emotional connection as the friendship evolves into romance. I like the ice hockey setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Keeping the Score is a fun and witty, slow burn friends-to-lovers story with spice. The story draws you in right from the outset, with its relatable characters and believable dialogue interactions.

Ford, a professional hockey player, was a breath of fresh air when it comes to character. He wasn’t the typical jock guy and had some quirks that made it easier to connect with him. Andi was also really well written with insecurities that were very relatable. I really enjoyed their interactions and the banter they shared throughout.

The slow burn was nicely done as it allowed us as the reader to work through both the characters’ emotions and reservations. Keeping the Score was a fun read and I highly recommend to anyone who loves hockey romances.

Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson is an engaging friends-to-lovers novel. The story, though predictable at times, drew me in with great characters and just the right amount of spice. A great, fast read - perfect for a lazy pool or beach day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson, book two in the Storm Hockey series, is an enjoyable, emotional, heartwarming, heartwarming, surprise single-dad, friends-to-lovers hockey romance, that will bring tears to your eyes.

Ford, the goalie for the New Jersey Storm NHL team, is obsessed with routine, planning, organizing and order and doesn’t handle change well. He has worked hard over the summer break to become the best. When a one-night stand shows up with his three-month-old daughter, all his plans and schedules go out the window as he figures out bottles and diapers. Andi's husband left her for her best friend, but she got their neighbor Ford in the divorce. Ford has helped Andi with many household fixes, so when he asks her to help with his daughter, she feels obligated. Andi doesn't know the first thing about babies because she's never wanted to be a mother, but her heart melts when she sees Ford holding his daughter, Mathilda. All she has to do is keep her heart out of it and she'll do just fine.

Together they figure out how to care for little Mathilda, and as they do, their friendship naturally shifts into something more. The chemistry and attraction between Ford and Andi blend with genuine fondness and enjoyment of each other's company.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book prior to purchase.
#NetGalley #Boldwood #KeepingTheScore

This one was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it didn’t disappoint. I loved Ford and Andi and their journey. I am obsessed with friends to lovers and then add in hockey romance? This one didn’t disappoint. This is a great, steamy summer read. If you like sports romance or friends to lovers, this is the one for you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Kelly Jamieson delivers a heartfelt and emotionally engaging sports romance in Keeping the Score, where hockey, unexpected fatherhood, and the quiet build of a slow-burn love story collide in the most tender way.

The novel centers on Ford, a focused, disciplined hockey player whose life revolves around training, games, and rigid structure—until a newborn baby is left at his doorstep. That moment flips his world upside down and marks the beginning of a story that is as much about growth and vulnerability as it is about love. Ford’s evolution from a hockey-obsessed bachelor to a flustered, fiercely protective dad is both touching and believable.

Enter Andi, his independent and career-minded neighbor, who unexpectedly becomes his lifeline. What begins as a practical arrangement slowly becomes a deeper connection neither of them expected. Jamieson crafts Andi as more than just a romantic interest—she's smart, relatable, and emotionally guarded in a way that feels honest, especially as she navigates her growing feelings toward Ford and the baby.

The chemistry between Ford and Andi builds gradually, with a sense of realism that fans of slow-burn romances will appreciate. There are plenty of heart-melting moments—especially scenes with Ford and his daughter—that will tug at your emotions, balanced by light humor and relatable anxieties about love, parenthood, and life’s curveballs.

While the plot is somewhat predictable in its arc, it’s the characters’ emotional journeys that give this story its impact. Jamieson doesn’t rely on drama for the sake of drama; instead, she leans into the authentic, messy emotions that come with real change and unexpected responsibility.

Bottom line: Keeping the Score is a warm, emotionally satisfying romance with a unique twist on the single-parent trope. It's perfect for readers who enjoy sports romances with heart, depth, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. If you're looking for a feel-good story about love born in the most unexpected circumstances, this one’s a winner.

Tropes:
🥅 Sports romance
🥅 Single dad
🥅 Friends to lovers
🥅 Alpha male
🥅 Forced proximity
🥅 Slow burn
🥅 Spicy af!

It's nice to be back in Newark (can't believe I'm saying that) for Jamieson's New Jersey Storm series. For anyone who has read her recent hockey romance, Crossing the Line, this is a continuation of the same series, and Mabel and Ben do appear as characters, although the focus is on goalie Ford and his neighbour Andi.

While the book uses a lot of traditional tropes (single dad, surprise baby, hockey romance), the book really introduces some interesting ideas and themes in the last third, that I really wished had been explored more fully throughout. The book asks a lot of questions about what parenthood means, and how much sacrifice is part of parenting and what does it mean to be someone who doesn't want kids but falls in love with a parent. It was a surprisingly thoughtful hockey romance, and I'm excited to read the next instalment (they seem to be setting up Mabel's brother as the next hero.)

Recommended for fans of Chelsea Curto and Sarina Bowen.

5 Star Review Keeping The Score (Storm Hockey #2) by Kelly Jamieson

Kelly Jamieson has knocked this one out of the park. From the
first chapter Keeping The Score had me invested in Ford and Andi’s story.

It’s a well written, entertaining and emotional story about finding love when you aren’t necessarily looking for it.

Ford is focused on his hockey career until life throws him one heck of a curve ball.

Turning to his neighbour Andi for help, she doesn’t hesitate to agree.

As they work together to look after little Matilda aka Tilly, feelings arise. I love how their friendship blossomed into a relationship, truly heartwarming.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

Kelly Jamieson's "Keeping the Score" is a hot and sexy dip into the world of sports romance, filled with a compelling single-dad trope. Ford is a hockey player whose life is strictly structured around his sport, and he is pushed into disarray by discovering a newborn baby on his front doorstep. His only lifeline is his neighbor, Andi, who, despite her own inexperience, steps up to help.

The book glows as a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, building unbreakable chemistry between Ford and Andi. Seeing the alpha-male hockey player transform into a tender father figure, with Andi by his side, is heart-swellingly adorable. Forced proximity creates true intimacy as they spend sleepless nights and surprise duties as parents, blending lines of friendship. While the "spicy af" promise is delivered, it's balanced with a strong emotional core. "Keeping the Score" is a fun read for current romance novel enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy a dash of athletic charm and the irrepressible appeal of a committed single parent.